My Pet Ate Chocolate, Now What?

Veterinary Emergency Clinic

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Everyone loves a sweet treat now and then. With the Easter season in full swing, all eyes are on the chocolate creations from many area chocolatiers. We all know that chocolate is toxic to our pets. No matter how hard we try, accidents are inevitable. So what can you do if your pet ingests chocolate? Here at Veterinary Emergency Clinic, we handle this emergency very frequently. Here are some of our tips on what to do if you think your pet has eaten chocolate.

1. Know what kind of chocolate your pet has eaten. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to your pet.

2. Know the amount your pet has ingested. A Hershey’s kiss won’t be too harmful to a large dog, but it could really hurt a smaller dog or cat.

3. Be on the lookout for more serious symptoms of chocolate poisoning, such as extreme thirst, diarrhea, shaking, too much energy, or seizures. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms 6-12 hours after the incident, get them to the closest emergency animal care facility.

4. Call Veterinary Emergency Clinic. Our staff will be able to tell you what your next steps should be!

Typically, after eating a large amount of chocolate, your pet will vomit on his own. If not, your vet might want you to give him hydrogen peroxide to make him throw up. You can use a turkey baster or a medicine dropper to give him the liquid. The stimulants in chocolate stay in the body a long time. In severe cases, symptoms can last up to 72 hours. Early treatment will help your pet get back to normal quickly!

Even a little bit of chocolate can make your dog ill. If you think your pet has eaten a tasty sweet treat, you must take quick action. Most pets survive chocolate poisoning due to the quick action of their owners. Calling Veterinary Emergency Clinic is the first step to making sure your pet will make a full recovery. We understand how scary this situation can be, and we are here to help!

We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in order to help you with all your emergency pet needs. Walk-ins are always welcome, but call us first if you can, to advise us when you will be arriving.

Stay up to date on the latest pet news, and pet ownership tips with our blog! Stay tuned to the Veterinary Emergency Clinic page to learn more about what to do during the first stages of emergencies. Remember, when your vet isn’t available, Veterinary Emergency Clinic is.